Clinical features of constipation in general practice in Italy. Issue 3 (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cottone, Carmelo; Tosetti, Cesare; Disclafani, Giuseppe; Ubaldi, Enzo; Cogliandro, Rosanna; Stanghellini, Vincenzo
• Is Part Of: United European Gastroenterology journal. Volume 2:Issue 3(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Constipation -- epidemiology -- general practice -- Rome criteria -- questionnaire; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1177/2050640614527283
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-6406

Abstract

Background: Definition and diagnosis of constipation remain challenging, partly due to different perceptions of the disease by doctors and patients. Aim: To evaluate prevalence and features of constipation among individuals seen in general practice, by comparing different diagnostic instruments. Methods: Standardized questionnaires and the Bristol stool form scale were distributed to all subjects attending 10 general practitioners for any reason in a 2-week period. The questionnaires investigated constipation defined according to: (1) self-perception (yes/no); (2) a visual analogue scale; (3) Rome III Criteria. Results: The prevalence of constipation in 1306 subjects (790 female, 516 male) resulted: (1) 34% self-reported; (2) 28% by visual analogue scale; (3) 24% by Rome Criteria. Constipation was more frequent in females. A high frequency of symptoms of obstructed defecations was observed with differences among patients with self-reported constipation with or without Bristol stool type 1–2. Conclusions: Prevalence of constipation among individuals attending their GP ranges between 24 and 34%, according to the different definitions adopted. Symptoms of obstructed defecations are frequent. The combination of self-evaluation and the Bristol stool type scale is potentially useful to identify subgroups of patients with different clinical features in general practice.